protein pasta recipe
A healthy and flavorful High-Protein Pasta dish, perfect for a nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) protein-enriched pasta (e.g., lentil or chickpea pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (or plant-based protein alternative)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups spinach leaves
- ½ cup low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook protein-enriched pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Protein and Vegetables: Stir in shredded chicken and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with spinach leaves. Toss until the spinach wilts, adding reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in ricotta or cottage cheese, mixing until creamy. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve:Divide into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables.